Full Breakdown
USA Defeats Spain to Reach Fifth Consecutive FIBA Women’s World Cup Final
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
On September 12, the United States women’s national basketball team beat Spain 76-66 in the semifinal of the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup in Berlin. Breanna Stewart led with 16 points and six rebounds, while Kahleah Copper added 13 points and Jackie Young contributed 12 points and five rebounds. The game was tied 58-58 entering the fourth quarter; the United States then opened the period with a 12-2 run and held Spain to eight points in the final frame to secure the victory.
Background & Context
The United States entered the tournament as four-time defending champions and has not lost a World Cup game since a semifinal defeat to Russia in 2006. A win in the final would give the team its fifth straight title, matching the Soviet Union’s record of five consecutive championships (1959-1975). This was the first World Cup meeting between the two sides since the United States won gold over Spain in 2014.
Key Figures & Groups
- Breanna Stewart – team-high 16 points.
- Kahleah Copper – 13 points; called the fourth-quarter surge “important.”
- Jackie Young – 12 points, five rebounds.
- Kara Lawson – head coach, praised the defensive effort.
- Aliyah Boston – first World Cup appearance, seven rebounds.
- Maria Conde and Iyana Martín – Spain’s leading scorers, 17 points each.
Data & Statistics
- Final score: USA 76, Spain 66.
- Free throws: 27-of-35.
- Field-goal percentage: 40 %.
- Three-point shooting: 3-for-18.
- Turnovers: 15; Assists: 9.
- USA’s World Cup winning streak: 35 straight games.
Why It Matters / Impact
A victory in the final would give the United States a record-tying fifth consecutive World Cup title and extend its unbeaten run in major international tournaments. The win also highlights the roster’s depth, with contributions from veterans and newcomers, and sets up a rematch of the 2024 Paris Olympic gold-medal game against France.
Official Statements & Responses
Coach Kara Lawson said the fourth-quarter defense was the team’s best, noting precise guarding and limiting Spain to a single shot in that span. Stewart emphasized “sticking with the fundamentals” and highlighted rebounding and defensive adjustments. Copper described the late surge as “important” because it combined scoring with defensive stops. Boston likened the tournament atmosphere to an NCAA Final Four, stressing the need to stay ready when called upon.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I think it’s two great teams going to go head-to-head,” — Kahleah Copper
- “I thought defensively, it was the best we had played, from guarding the ball to guarding the ball screen to boxing out and limiting to one shot,” — Kara Lawson, TEAM USA COACH
- “Just continue to do the little things,” — Breanna Stewart
What’s Next
The United States will face France in the championship game scheduled for the following day. France earned its final spot by defeating host Germany, setting up a repeat of the 2024 Olympic gold-medal showdown. Both teams will look to claim the title in Berlin.